Removing complete soft top

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2025 BMW M4, 2024 BMW M4, 2023 BMW M4, 2022 BMW M4, and 2021 BMW M4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Preliminary work

Refer to REMOVING LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT FLOOR COVERING .
Refer to REMOVING THE LOADING EDGE TRIM .
Refer to REMOVING THE UPPER LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT TRIM PANELS .
Refer to REMOVING RIGHT LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT WHEEL ARCH TRIM PANEL .
Refer to REMOVING LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT WHEEL ARCH TRIM PANEL .
Refer to REMOVING THE WINDOW CHANNEL STRIP AT REAR OUTER LEFT AND RIGHT .
Refer to REMOVING REAR SEAT BENCH .
Refer to REMOVING LEFT AND RIGHT BACKREST SIDE SECTION .
Refer to REMOVING REAR SEAT BACKREST .
Refer to REMOVING THE HEAD RESTRAINT ON REAR LEFT AND RIGHT .
Refer to REMOVING THE REAR LEFT AND RIGHT HEAD RESTRAINT GUIDES .
Refer to REMOVING THE TRIM PANEL AT THE TOP OF THE ROLLOVER PROTECTION SYSTEM .
Refer to REMOVING THE UPPER CROSS MEMBER COVER .
Refer to REMOVING THE INNER DOOR SILL COVER STRIP ON THE LEFT AND RIGHT .
Refer to REMOVING SIDE TRIM PANEL, REAR LEFT AND RIGHT .
Refer to REMOVING THE INNER REAR LEFT AND RIGHT WINDOW CAVITY FINISHER STRIP .
Refer to REMOVING THE SUPPORT FOR THE REAR INNER WINDOW RECESS FINISHER COVER ON THE LEFT AND RIGHT .
Refer to REMOVING THE CONVERTIBLE TOP COMPARTMENT LID .
Refer to REMOVING THE CONVERTIBLE TOP COMPARTMENT .

CAUTION: Folding up of convertible top through loss of pressure in hydraulic cylinders.
Injury hazard! Injury hazard by trapping!

When carrying out all repair work, secure soft top and soft top compartment lid with a suitable support tool against collapsing. Ensure soft top is supported in the middle.

Release screw (1) on the left and right with the convertible top closed.

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Move the convertible top (1) into the position shown.
Convertible top (1) is fully open; the convertible top hinge covers are in the closed position.
Insert eyes (2) on the left and right in the marked positions.
The convertible top may be moved manually only with the safety eyes inserted.
Switch off ignition.
The convertible top system will be depressurized after approx. 7 min and can then be moved manually.

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NOTE: To make the convertible top system depressurize faster: Long press the audio button. The convertible top system is then depressurized after just a few seconds.
Release hydraulic lines (1) and wiring harness (2) from the existing holders.

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Guide out hydraulic unit (1) and place it in the cargo area.

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Remove retaining strap (1).
Remove the control unit (2).

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Close trunk lid.
Open convertible top hinge cover (1) by hand.
Close convertible top (2) manually.
Convertible top brace (4) is kept in position using the safety eyes inserted in area (3).
Do not remove the safety eyes.

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NOTE: Perform the steps on the left and right side.
Slightly lift the retaining clip (1) and unclip the hydraulic cylinder (2).

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Unclip all the hydraulic lines (1).
Disconnect all the plug connections of the convertible top wiring harness and guide them out in area (2).
Disconnect all the plug connections of hydraulic unit (3).
Remove hydraulic unit (3) from the cargo area and place it on a suitable surface (4) on the tailgate.

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Bring the convertible top (1) in the position shown.
Convertible top (1) is fully open.
Make sure that the convertible top hinges (2) are open completely.

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Place hydraulic unit (1) on a suitable base on convertible top (2).
Secure the hydraulic unit (1) to prevent it from falling down.

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NOTE: Perform the steps on the left and right side.
Fasten the hydraulic cylinder of the convertible top cover (1) with adhesive tape (2) on the hydraulic lines (3) and secure it from falling down.

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NOTE: Perform the steps on the left and right side.
Loosen screw (1).
Measure and note down screw-in depth (x) of barrel screw (1).
Make sure that the barrel screws (1) do not twist during removal of the convertible top.
This should prevent unnecessary adjustment work.

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NOTE: To provide a better overview: Schematic diagram with partially hidden components.

NOTE: Perform the steps on the left and right side.

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Loosen screws (1).
Prepare the lifting gear 0 496 323 (54 3 240) .
The lifting gear consists of the following separate components:

0 496 443 (54 3 241) Longitudinal tube with lifting eyelet and bolts

0 496 444 (54 3 242) Transverse bar

0 496 445 (54 3 243) Stabilizer on the left and right in combination with:

0 496 324 (54 3 250) Adapter with chain and hook left and right

0 496 451 (54 3 260) Adapter with counter support left and right

0 496 454 (54 3 270) Shaped part for counter support on the left and right

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NOTE: Perform the steps on the left and right side.
Push special tool 0 496 324 (54 3 250) in the arrow direction all the way to the stop.
Slide special tool 0 496 451 (54 3 260) until there is no hole visible in area (1).
Adjust dimension (x) to 13.5 cm and tighten the lock nuts.

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Ensure the setting with the ball locking bolt (arrows).
NOTE: Perform the steps on the left and right side.
Slide the special tool 0 496 445 (54 3 243) until 11 holes are visible in area (1).
Ensure the setting with the ball locking bolt (arrow).

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Push the lifting eye (1) in the arrow direction all the way to the stop.
Ensure the setting with the ball locking bolt (arrow).

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CAUTION:
Heavy component.
Heavy components can lead to injury or damage.
- Remove and install heavy components with the aid of another person/other persons.
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Carefully position the lifting equipment (1) with the workshop crane (2) and a support person on the convertible top (3).
Position the mount (4) and the hook (5) on the convertible top (3) as shown.
Carefully lift the convertible top (3) with the workshop crane (2) and feed it out of the vehicle with a support person.
Set the convertible top with the special tool (adapter) 0 494 401 (54 3 200) and the special tool (adapter plate) 2 465 583 on the universal jack 0 490 133 (00 2 030) and fasten.
Tighten the screws (1).

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